US-based Essex plans to set up a new rice packaging and distribution facility in Marion County, South Carolina with an investment of $54.4m, a move that is expected to create about 215 jobs.
The investment is expected to support the growth of the company's food division.
The rice plant, which will be opened on Liberty Street in Marion at the 500,000ft2 site, is expected to be operational by the mid of this year.
Essex stated it will initially begin with two products - packaging rice from Cambodia that will be distributed throughout the US and Jasmine rice, which will be harvested and milled in Cambodia and then shipped to Marion.
Essex president and CEO Navin Xavier said that the new facility will increase the company's operational capacity and represents a prominent step for its growth.
"South Carolina has a great business environment, and we strongly believe that this integration will be a bona fide step to further give added value to our food division's operations," Xavier added.
Essex is a seasoned supplier in the export of rice. The company sells its pre-packaged rice under Max Star Choice brand.
Essex, founded in 2008, is an integrated producer and trader of commodities. The company has worldwide activities in the production, sourcing, processing, transporting, storage and supply of minerals, agricultural products, food products and energy sectors.
